David Farrar, a name perhaps not as instantly recognizable as some of his contemporaries, nonetheless carved out a compelling career as a leading man in British cinema. He had an air of stoic intensity, often portraying characters with a strong moral compass, yet capable of great passion. Farrar, born in 1908 in Forest Gate, Essex, initially pursued a career in journalism before finding his way to the stage and screen. His tall, athletic build and striking features quickly made him a notable presence.
He began his film career in the late 1930s with minor roles, slowly building his experience. His breakthrough came with his portrayal of the conflicted yet resolute Captain David Somers in “Went the Day Well?” produced by Ealing Studios in 1942, this role cemented his place as a leading man. The film, directed by Alberto Cavalcanti, is a tense thriller where a small English village is infiltrated by disguised German paratroopers. Farrar portrays his role with controlled authority. The narrative is tightly wound, full of suspicion and menace, and Farrar’s portrayal of the local Captain is crucial to the escalating sense of dread. The film also featured Valerie Taylor as Peggy, Leslie Banks as the insidous German Commandant, and Mavis Clair as Mrs Fraser.
Farrar’s career continued to flourish throughout the 1940s and 50s. He appeared in a wide variety of roles, showcasing his versatility. He played the charismatic and ruthless Dan McEvoy in “Black Narcissus“, directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger in 1947, produced by The Archers production company for Rank Pictures. This film, set in a remote Himalayan convent, features stunning cinematography and a psychological exploration of repressed desire. The tension between the nuns, especially Deborah Kerr’s Sister Clodagh, and Farrar’s character is a central element of the movie’s intensity. Sabu played The Young General, while Jean Simmons took the role of the disturbed Kanchi and Kathleen Byron as Sister Ruth.
Farrar’s screen presence was one of quiet strength. He wasn’t one for grand theatrical gestures, instead, he communicated a great deal through subtle expressions and a powerful stillness. His characters often possessed a sense of inner turmoil, a struggle between duty and desire, or between what is right and what is expedient. This internal struggle was something he brought to most of his performances, which helped to give them a great deal of weight. He appeared in a number of significant films during this period, including 1949’s “For Them That Trespass” a film noir in which he plays a man accused of murder. He also starred in 1951’s “Night Without Stars” playing a blinded ex-commando and 1955’s “The Sea Shall Not Have Them” a Second World War drama where he plays a squadron leader. In 1959, Farrar appeared in “John Paul Jones” playing John Paul Jones’s arch rival. While he may not have achieved the same level of international fame as some of his British contemporaries, he consistently delivered memorable performances.
Farrar’s later years saw him move away from leading roles, with his final screen appearance in 1977. He died on August 31, 1995, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of memorable characters and a contribution to the world of British cinema that remains significant.
David Farrar’s contribution to British cinema should not be forgotten. He possessed an innate ability to convey both vulnerability and authority, making his characters both relatable and compelling. His portrayals of men in conflict, facing difficult choices, remain powerful and resonant. He didn’t always play the most likeable characters, but he was always compelling and believable in the roles that he played.
